“Spicy Rice ~ Moong Dal Khichidi (Pongal)” Served with Cauliflower ~ Green Peas ~ Potato Besan Curry / Gobi~Vatana~Batata Kadhi … A delicious and fantastic combo of dishes … tastes simply heavenly when served together … Yumz .....
** Khichidi is a most sought after dish throughout India. From North to South from East to West this dish is famous among all religions having their own adaption. It is called by so many names as per the originality of that particular state. But traditionally It is always prepared by and large by all with equal combination of rice and moong dal with added on spices. Khichidi is always cooked soft, sort of porridge consistency. Veggies are a matter of choice for variation. Though supposed to be bland and good for diet of both sick and hospitalized persons it is also a dish that is prepared by many when in a hurry during dinner time or if they want to just have something hot and good healthy dish before retiring to bed.
** Addition of vegetables to this dish not only enriches its taste but also makes it more healthier. Children who are very fussy about eating veggies, eat them without murmur when added to the dish. It is best served with simple curds, though you can serve it with raitas or sambar or chutney too. Accompaniments served along are a matter of choice and if its for dinner time I prefer to serve it just with simple curds while other time of the day sambar or raita goes well along with the same. My husband loves this very much and will relish it whole heartedly even if it is served everyday for dinner or even lunch. So this humble dish that is also known as pongal in Southern parts of India is enjoyed in our home many times with many variations.
** In South, they prepare this for breakfast too along with Vada Sambar. I have included many times this dish with minute changes in the same sometimes with different lentil combinations too. Today however I have kept it simple as I am serving it with Kadhi to which I have added in the veggies. This year you will get more combos of the same in my Blog, so do keep a constant watch in this place and plz. do send in a mail on query or if you want me to post any particular dish that is not yet prepared. It reminds me too and I take this opportunity to thank all my friends who have encouraged me throughout by sending in queries and tips in the last 3 years. If it was not for your encouragement, I would have not had the zeal to do the same. Once again I wish all of you and along with your family and friends “A Very Happy New Year” Spread Peace and Happiness … Stay Blessed.
** Ingredients :
Rice : 1 Cup .. any raw rice will do but I always use Surti Kolam variety.
Moong Dal : 1 cup
Salt to taste
Water : 3 cups
** For tempering :
Ghee : 3 tblsp
Mustard Seeds / Sasam / Rai : ½ tsp
Jeera / Cumin Seeds : 1 tsp
Black Pepper Corns / Miri : ½ tsp
Green Chilly : 5-6 cut into rings.
Haldi / Turmeric Powder : 1 tsp
Hing / Asafoetida Powder : 1 tblsp
Curry Leaves : 8-10 fresh ones
** Put both rice and moong dal in a bowl and wash well. Drain and keep it aside ready.
** In a pressure cooker pan add in the ghee and melt it on medium heat. Now add in mustard seeds, when they begin to crackle add in the jeera, black pepper corns, green chilly, haldi and fry for a few seconds. Add in the curry leaves, stir for second and then add in haldi and hing powder.
** Add in the drained rice ~ moong dal and mix well with the seasoning and fry for 2-3 minutes on low heat. Add salt to taste and the water and mix well. Cover with the pressure cooker lid and cook on medium heat for 1-2 whistles.
** Once the cooker has given way to 2 whistles, lower the heat and further cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Off the flame and let cool till the pressure within is cooled on its own and once you are able to open the lid, do so gently. If you find the khichidi too thick, just add in half a cup of boiling water and mix well. Done.
** Note : Khichidi / Pongal is always best done in pressure cooker pan to get the correct consistency in the dish. Khichidi is a soft and mushy dish and cooking it in kadai, will not give you that mashy texture. However, if you still want to prepare the same in kadai ... Just prepare the tempering, add in the drained rice-moongdal and then add to this 4 cups of hot boiling water. Rest addition is same .... Once it comes to a rolling boil, lower the heat and cook covered till done. You may add in extra hot water, if you find the khichidi not very soft. But I suggest if you have a pressure cooker pan, use it. Fastest and the best way to have a yummy khichidi ready in 30 mins. If you do not have it, and your family loves khichidi, do purchase one, its the best investment that will never be regretted.
** “Spicy Rice ~ Moong Dal Khichidi (Pongal)” is done and is ready to be served. I served with “Cauliflower ~ Green Peas ~ Potato Besan Kadhi / Curry” … A delicious and fantastic combo of dishes … tastes simply heavenly … Do try this combo out if you family loves khichidi with kadhi ... really a heart warming food, specially during winter when you want to have hot dinner and nuzzle up in the bed feeling warm ... Yummy Yumz.
** For the Cauliflower ~ Green Peas ~ Potato Besan Curry Recipe, Please follow the link given below …..
** You can prepare any other Kadhi posted in the blog too, Please click on the given below … It’s a common link to all the kadhi posted till date and you may choose any out of the same … It tastes good …..
** An Earnest Request : There are many more recipes of similar type in the blog. For all my Recipes, use the search option or the label section in the Blog. If you are still not able to find it please leave a message in comment section or mail me the same. You can also go to my page (add on the left side of blog) and leave a message and I will try my best to get back to you as soon as possible … Thank you. I have also started a food group for "Konkani Saraswats" by the name "KONKANI DELICACIES" the link of which is posted on the left side of the blog page. Do join us in our culinary journey. I strongly believe in Sharing and always endorse that "Sharing Is Caring".
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